You are here

Milfoil - How Did It Get Here

One of the problems with milfoil is that it takes only a fraction of an inch of stem material to root itself and start a new colony, so the plant spreads easily. The principal means of migration from one water body to another is by small fragments clinging to boats, motors, trailers, anchors and ropes, waders, fishing gear, live wells, etc. That's why it's so important to check ALL your vehicles and gear before launching your boat, and after you pull the boat out of the water. (Please note that in Maine it's illegal to transport ANY plant material on boats and trailers. If your boat looks like the photo below, you may be stopped and summonsed by a game warden or police officer.)

Milfoil has sometimes beeen sold as plants for aquariums. If someone dumps an old aquarium into the water, that can start a whole new infestation.

There is some speculation that bits of milfoil, or seeds, can be transported by animals. That's certainly possible, but it's probably the least common source of new infestations.